Varada Mudra – The Gesture of Giving

This mudra denotes the act of charity and benevolence, with the associated emotions of sincerity and compassion. It is conveyed with the left arm extending downwards, palm facing in an outward direction. Varada Mudra typically accompanies another gesture like the Abhaya Mudra and is usually seen on images of deities who enrich, grant boons and pacify their followers.

Fourth and fifth century figures of the multi-headed Avalokiteswara often display this mudra, wherein nectar flows from one of his open palms to assuage the thirst of ancestral spirits (pretas). Varada Mudra is also typical of Buddhist iconography from Southeast Asia. Deities who are bestower of wealth are depicted cupping a fruit or jewel in their right hand